Egyptian Uprising - In a nutshell

Protests in Cairo

The continuing riots in Egypt is one of the immediate outcome of  Tunisia's Jasmine revolution which bring down the government of Ben Ali. Its looks like an answer to the question, If Tunisians can do it, then why can't we? But Egyptians answer to this question will give long and sleepless night to Hosni Mubarak and his 30 year long regime.

Protesters are demanding the end of the regime, which is one of the longest in the world. Its look like the people suddenly got the energy from Tunisians; and went on to express the emotions hoarded up over the years. Its not limited to the capital Cairo, even Mediterranean port city Alexandria, Sinai Peninsula, Nile region, Suez canal regions are showing the signs of unrest.

Indeed Egypt is witnessing the one of the largest demonstrations in its recent history. At first even the Police was taking aback after seeing the size of the crowds. May be the experience of Jasmine Revolution of Tunisia already thought them a lesson or two. But as the protests grew and thousands occupy the famous Tahrir Square, just meters away from the parliament, police was back in action using tear gas, water cannons etc. According to Guardian reports,

Egyptian Protests

"..as the marches grew, the government moved to isolate them. Access to internet, phone and social media networks was shut down, spreading confusion among protesters and temporarily sealing the largest Arab country off from the rest of the world. Access was later restored, although services remained intermittent."

But Egyptian administration is not so vulnerable. Unlike Tunis, Cairo saw a lot more protests over the years and Mubarak withstood almost all of that. This transcontinental country is a major power in Africa and the most populous Arab nation. With a strong Police and Army Egypt may withstood even the recent wave of protests also.

Moreover without a clear leadership and organisation it is difficult to remove a strong regime like Mubarak's. The revolution; communicated through Facebook, Twitter and other social media network may able to transform the suppressed anger of people in to demonstrations in the street, but a strong relationship in the grass root level is need for any revolution to attain success.

Even if the revolution failed to reach the critical mass there no doubt that its already send a warning not only to the Egyptian administration but also to the non-democratic countries around the world. This warning will force the administration to become more proactive towards the requirements and aspirations of the people and ethos of democracy, otherwise sooner or later a much stronger revolution will oust the government.

Assume that the revolution succeed removing the present regime, then there is no doubt that it will shake the shaky regimes in and around the middle east and Africa. It will alter the future course the of middle east's problems and change the political outlook across Asia and Africa, especially in the Arab nations.


Sajeev


Photo Courtesy: Guardian, Uploaded photos in Twitter.